ASTA Statement on Commencement of Commercial Flights to Cuba

"ASTA congratulates the U.S.-based airlines who are celebrating their inaugural flights to Cuba this week. The availability of direct flights from the U.S. means that Americans will have more opportunities to explore a part of the world that’s been restricted for far too long. ASTA member travel agents believe that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction, allowing them to act as ambassadors of freedom and American values abroad.

"The resumption of commercial flights to Cuba is a significant step in the right direction that will benefit American consumers and the ASTA travel agents who serve them. ASTA continues to support a further increase in traveler choice that would result from the complete lifting of travel restrictions to Cuba. We estimate at least two million additional Americans could visit Cuba by the end of 2017 if Congress votes to fully lift all travel restrictions before the end of this year."

ABOUT ASTARebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit ASTA.org. Consumers can connect with an ASTA travel advisor at TravelSense.org.